HAL YAMASHITA — Restaurant in Tokyo

A Japanese friend organized a dinner and as foreigners we ordered the a la carte menu.

We ordered rolls and sashimi and the rolls came out at the end of the meal. I thought that was unusual.

The portions are on the smaller side, so we ordered two fish dishes. One at the start of the meal and then one at the middle of the meal.

When the fish dish arrived, we asked for a bowl of rice and the waiter with the goatee went to the kitchen and returned to say they didn’t have any more rice.

I thought that was unusual because this was a restaurant that served sushi and rice was a staple.

Nonetheless, I didn’t fuss that didn’t have any rice and just said “thank you.”

About 30 minutes later, by chance, I see the same waiter scoop out two bowls of rice from the rice cooker and serve it to the dining table in the private room.

Seriously, why bother telling a customer a white lie and say there isn’t rice? Are we that naive? But fine, as foreigners I can accept inferior service but I cannot respect anyone just lying to your face.

The good thing is that I won’t ever have to come back to this restaurant again. And perhaps after reading this review, you won’t have to visit this restaurant in the...

Hal Yamashita offers more than just a meal; it's a culinary odyssey through Japanese history and culture. Chef Hal Yamashita's dedication to the finest ingredients is evident in every dish, where natural flavors are allowed to shine with brilliance. From the first sip of water, elemental in his creations, to the last bite, each moment is a celebration of culinary artistry.

Rooted in the Japanese "ZEN" spirit, Chef Hal's cooking philosophy honors tradition while embracing innovation. His fusion style, born from a lifetime of taste influences from Kobe to across the globe, offers a unique and captivating dining experience.

Yet, it's not just about the food; it's the connection forged between diner and dish. The attentive service and serene ambiance elevate the experience, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors and hospitality.

As the visionary executive chef and owner, Hal Yamashita's passion for food and culture is palpable in every aspect of the restaurant. For those seeking a gastronomic adventure that transcends the ordinary, Hal Yamashita is a destination not...

The lady in charged of seating were very attentive and kind. However, the overall experience was horrible. We ordered the 8800 course, and below is what went wrong.

Long wait time. It took more than 2 hrs to finish 3 dishes.

Bad Environment. Door to the terrace kept open in a cold windy day. We were eating indoor with strong wind blowing into our faces.

Messy Open Kitchen Kitchen was short staffed and couldn’t keep up with production, and so was the cleaning between each dish. So things were just piling up, not cleaned, while the Buri fish for sashimi was left on the counter for the whole 2 hours while we were there.

We had to end the course early because we couldn’t stand waiting for 2 hours in the cold wind.

Plus tax, it was over 10,000 per person, and experience did not meet...